I urge you to vote in favor of these bills, all of which have a common interest -- to protect Virginia residents from unconstitutional action by Federal authorities that are charged with protecting the population. The bills are : HB 650, 1260, 1262, 1264, 1265, 1438, 1440, 1441, 1442, 1482, 1492. My family knows a naturalized U.S. citizen from El Salvador who came to the United States because he married a U.S. citizen. He was arrested in Pennsylvania and held for three days, because they thought he might be an undocumented alien based on racial/ethnic profiling. He had to hire a lawyer to get out. Virginia law enforcement must not cooperate with Federal security forces that are carrying out such unconstitutional activities. My name is Julie Schechter Torres. I am a member of Temple Rodef Shalom. Our houses of worship must be safe from activities by law enforcement. Our schools must be safe for children. I know a 9-year-old child who is legally present in the United States but didn't want to go to school for days after ICE went to her ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. Children are not a threat. If ICE is focusing on criminals - as they say they are - they are in the wrong place. Going there to capture adults is once again using children as "bait". I have lived in countries where criminals stop cars and kidnap people. There is no way to know that law enforcement authorities are who they say they are if they wear masks and don't show identification. There is no reason someone carrying out legal law enforcement activities should need to hide who they are or what they are doing. Masking is just a means of covering up unlawful action. Please pass these bills to protect Virginians.

Altagracia Kubinyi National Domestic Workers Alliance & Care in Action We strongly support the language: HB 1438 (ICE agreements: Del. Guzmán version) In 1917, Carmelita Torres stood up against the cruelty of anti-immigrant laws. More than a century later, that cruelty still exists. I am a proud Afro-Latina, and today, I do not feel safe in the state I love. As I drive through Northern Virginia, Arlington, Loudoun, Fairfax, or Alexandria, I am constantly alert. I measure every turn, every stoplight, every police car, because if I am pulled over, I don’t know if I will make it back home. Recent collaboration with ICE has made everyday life a risk. In cities like Alexandria, our communities face some of the most unsafe conditions since there has been a lot of unclear role from police and ice. I am a former domestic worker, and now an organizer in Northern Virginia with the National Domestic Workers Alliance and Care in Action. I know firsthand how essential safety is—not just for workers, but for the families who depend on us. Domestic workers create stability. We care for children, elders, homes, and families so others can go to work, build careers, and live with dignity. Today, I honor the bravery of those who came before us. Juana Colón, from Comerío, Puerto Rico, protected her comrades from police violence and was tragically shot. Her courage reminds us that working people have always had to fight for dignity—and many still do today. That is why I urge you to support HB 1438, a bill that would end 287(g) agreements and limit voluntary collaboration between Virginia’s state and local law enforcement and ICE. These agreements have caused grave violations of human rights: unlawful detention, racial profiling, and the devastating separation of families. When local police enforce civil immigration laws, trust is destroyed. Immigrant communities are pushed into the shadows, making everyone less safe. Supporting HB 1438 is about dignity. It is about safety. It is about justice. I respectfully urge you to vote in favor of HB 1438. Thank you. ¡Sí se puede!

Elizabeth Reyna de Sorto My name is Elizabeth Reyna de Sorto, and I am a resident of Loudoun County. We arrived in this country in 2019. We came together as a family—my children, my husband, and I. From the outset, we settled here in Virginia. My husband and I began working and paying taxes. We also started the process to resolve our immigration status. We obtained our driver’s licenses, and last year we received our work permits under the protection of a U Visa. When we received the U Visa work permit, we felt that our family finally had stability. But sadly, in January of this year, everything changed. My husband was on his way to work when he was stopped in a traffic stop by Leesburg police. He showed his driver’s license and waited patiently. The officer went back to his car and stayed inside until four ICE vehicles arrived. They took my husband without saying anything to him, despite the fact that he had a valid work permit and a valid driver’s license. He was detained for two weeks in ICE custody and then deported to El Salvador. We do not understand why they committed this injustice, leaving me alone with our five children and all the expenses. My husband is the head of our household, and this situation is affecting us economically and psychologically. These are some of the injustices we are suffering. I ask you to approve all the bills that protect our communities from ICE raids in Virginia—especially those that eliminate 287(g) and all the contracts associated with it. Thank you.

I am wanting to write in support of HB 650, HB 1260, HB 1265, HB 1438. These bills would work towards truly and wellbeing of helping the community that lives here within the Commonwealth. The behavior and actions of federal officers are dangerous as they are spreading fear and harm that directly work against the trust and wellbeing of many immigrants and other people of color that are present here. Many of those who are directly impacted as they are less likely to feel safe to contact emergency services for life saving care, going to the store for groceries, taking children to school, going to court for things even like protective orders that could help promote their safety- to just name a few. People deserve the ability to live with dignity and safety and these bills would take the necessary steps to helping promote public safety for all.

Public Comment on HB 1438 Submitted by: Edwuan Whitehead, Public Policy Director, Center for Common Ground Bill: HB 1438 Mr. Chairman and Members of the subcommittee, My name is Edwuan Whitehead and I serve as the Public Policy Director for the Center for Common Ground. Our organization works across the Commonwealth to ensure that every community including immigrant communities Black and Brown communities and low income families can engage safely and fully in public life. I am submitting this comment in strong support of HB 1438. HB 1438 strengthens public safety by restoring clear boundaries between state level responsibilities and federal immigration authority. The bill prohibits state and local agencies from entering or renewing agreements that allow officers to perform the functions of federal immigration agents. It also prevents people from being held past their lawful release date based solely on administrative requests from immigration authorities. This protects Virginians from unlawful detention and protects localities from costly legal exposure. Community trust is essential for effective policing. When residents believe that any interaction with a local officer could turn into an immigration inquiry people become less likely to report crimes seek help or cooperate as witnesses. HB 1438 directly addresses that problem by prohibiting officers from asking about immigration status citizenship or place of birth during routine stops searches or arrests unless this information is material to a criminal investigation. This approach strengthens safety without compromising any legitimate investigative needs. The bill still preserves full compliance with valid judicial warrants and all federal disclosure requirements. Nothing in HB 1438 prevents cooperation required under state or federal law. It only stops voluntary immigration enforcement activities that have repeatedly proven to undermine public safety and weaken constitutional protections. HB 1438 is balanced. It protects people in custody from unlawful transfers and it addresses coercion intimidation and threats tied to actual or perceived immigration status. It also provides a civil remedy for individuals harmed by violations of the statute and directs the Attorney General to issue guidance to support consistent implementation. When Virginians feel safe reporting crimes and engaging with their local government every community benefits. HB 1438 affirms that public safety in our Commonwealth must be grounded in trust fairness and adherence to the law. For these reasons I respectfully urge the committee to advance HB 1438. Thank you for your time and consideration. Edwuan Whitehead Public Policy Director Center for Common Ground

I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills protect sensitive spaces such as courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places, and hospitals from intimidation by federal immigration enforcement. They strengthen public trust and improve accountability by restricting law enforcement officers from obscuring their identities. I oppose HB1459, which would force state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would seriously damage public trust in local law enforcement.

I have watched the news and live feeds from Minneapolis, and today I watched testimonies of violations, physical abuse and murder by ICE. It is hard to not see we are in a Constitutional and humanitarian crisis at a scale I never thought could happen here. Please do not bring this to VA. As Virginia is the birthplace of our Constitution, can we make the choice to refuse this standing army, search and seizures? the beatings and destruction of property and disruption of freedom peace and commerce ICE and similar agencies leave in their wake? We are not being protected by them, but living in terror of them. The trust is gone. And, every decent law enforcement officer carries the massive burden of association with these violent, incompetent, sadistic, rogue, racist hypocrites. Ice must be abolished NOW. Humane reform to immigration law, the justice system, detention conditions (including medical care, oversight without notice, access to lawyers without being shipped out, family visits, and provisions for the safety of people who trusted our country as asylum seekers .) As for actual ,violent criminals- we have a system in place and none of this is necessary if we have trust between communities and law enforcement. Ice needs to be scrapped first for something new - for the people, with the consent of the people , to take its place. What are they but roving patrols racial profiling? I am PROUD of our civil rights legacy in our state. We can take a stand and refuse funding and quartering. We should all be able to look to law enforcement as heroes- the people we could call for help. Every act by ICE... The stalking in the streets, the threats to peaceful protestors and Constitutional recorders, and the fear so many goo community members, citizens snd non-citizens live with every day does not even feel like our country. To think we spend this massive amount of money to torment people working hard and doing their best? I'd rather the money go to give a family a shot at the American Dream, instead of paying someone to try to turn guns on them for pay. Our immigrants- They are our heart. They love this country and its promise. They are strong and brave and they work hard and have strong families and faith. They are full of love and share art, culture, dance, music, food and traditions, a love for community many of us can learn from. It is a terrible thing to not embrace and love these people who give so much and ask for so little. I cannot understand how these people are treated like an object to kick, hold down, choke, gun down, jail or murder, without so much as looking at paperwork. Please end this now, for the love of God. If you do not abolish ICE, remove funding and contracts and don't allow masks or lack of badges. Help prosecute when THEY are the violent criminals. But really, get them out and keep them out. Let our own trained police officers handle the crime. Thank you.

I am a resident in the city of Richmond and I demand the restriction and removal of ICE agents from our communities. I support the bills put forth that seek to limit the access and activities of immigration and law enforcement agents. Thank you

My name is Lillian Komarow. I am a resident of District 12. I am submitting this testimony in support of HB 1441, HB 1440, HB 1442, HB 650, HB 1260, HB 1262, HB 1265, HB 1438, HB 1482, and HB 1492. I am also writing in opposition to HB 1459. I grew up in the extremely diverse Northern Virginia area and I know that immigrants are a huge part of what makes Virginia the beautiful melting pot that it is. I know that immigrants have a wide array of reasons to come to Virginia, but ultimately my personal experience has shown me that immigrants want to live and work in peace. They contribute to Virginia in many positive ways economically and culturally– not that that should be a requirement to be treated humanely. Even if I did not have this background, I would know that the terror we are seeing ICE indiscriminately inflict on undocumented immigrants and US citizens alike across the country is abhorrent. It is imperative that Virginia citizens are able to freely access community services without fear of harassment from federal agents. Across the country we are seeing ICE and CBP agents deliberately terrorize families simply trying to take their children to school or to the doctor. There have been stories on the news of domestic violence victims being too afraid of ICE terrorization to show up to their court dates. Ultimately the actions of ICE are deterring people from accessing important services, and this creates ripple effects into the community by making us ALL less safe. Please protect Virginia citizens by passing HB 1440, HB 650, HB 1260, through. The Commonwealth has both the right and the duty to ensure free and fair election for its citizens. Elections cannot be free and fair when people are afraid of being detained at polling places solely due to their appearance. ICE agents’ presence at polling places would be nothing short of voter intimidation. Please protect the sanctity of our elections by passing HB 1442 through. The responsibility of local and state law enforcement should be to protect and serve Virginia citizens, not waste our resources and create mistrust by collaborating with increasingly hostile federal immigration operations. In addition to sapping limited state and local resources, collaboration blurs accountability for racial profiling and other abusive tactics federal agents take, and opens Virginia police departments up to lawsuits. Both law enforcement leaders and crime victim advocacy organizations alike have spoken out against Virginia law enforcement participating in immigration enforcement, citing eroded trust between police and victims, and even described instances of domestic violence and sexual assault survivors being unwilling to seek assistance. Please pass HB 1442 to prevent this mistrust and wasting of resources, as well as HB 1262 so that Virginians can trust that they are not falling into a trap when seeking immigration assistance services, HB 1264 so that Virginia citizens know they have an Accountability Commission keeping watch on federal agents conducting military style operations in the Commonwealth, and HB 1482 so that federal agents can further be held accountable by not concealing their identity. For the purpose of protecting Virginians, our resources, and our right to free and fair elections, I respectfully urge this committee to support HB 1441, HB 1440, HB 1442, HB 650, HB 1260, HB 1262, HB 1265, HB 1438, HB 1482, and HB 1492 and oppose HB 1459.

Dear Virginia House of Delegates, I am writing in support of all bills in this Block 1 subcommittee (HB650; HB1260; HB1262; HB1264; HB1265; HB1438; HB1440; HB1441; HB1442; HB1453; HB1459; HB1482; and HB1492). Each bill has the same underlying principles, in my view, that undergird each one and is worthy of widespread support and consideration. 1) Greater accountability for any abuses of power - something our government is supposedly predicated upon from its foundations of checks and balances. 2) Respect of human dignity - lest we forget another person's humanity and spiral into forms of depravity experienced on widespread scale even within our lifetimes, our parents' lifetimes, or our grandparents' lifetimes, anytime dehumanization becomes the norm and public opinion becomes apathetic we ought to have sirens blaring warning signals. As a conflict prevention and response professional, I have thorough knowledge of human rights abuses at widespread scale at the hands of unchecked power -- the enslavement of Africans and brutality of the chattel slave trade and its legacy of abuses through the Jim Crow Era onward, the forced disappearances of Argentina and Chile, the Holocaust, forced kidnappings and assimilations of First Nations and Native American children at Indian Boarding Schools in Canada and the United States, and more. These bills hold that some places ought to be preserved to honor the humanity in our neighbors, even those who may be undocumented - polling places, courthouses, schools. These bills provide guardrails that Virginia needs to both maintain the humanity of all people, even those who are undocumented. It serves to safeguard the hearts and minds of those citizens and legal residents who have been continuously profiled based on their perceived or actual national origin, and provides more psychological safety for those in our communities who are being targeted from the national stage to local actors dispatched from ICE who have done nothing unlawful. These forcible, unchecked, and brute forces of strength have brought about unnecessary and widespread fear, school absences, medical inattention for fear of being targeted in public, and traumatic experiences for young children and youth. Virginia House of Delegates must provide a healthy check and balance and honor its constituents. Vote in support of these bills. Sincerely, Jena Kitchen

We support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB4141, HB1442 AND HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces such as courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This legislation is intended to strengthen the public trust in our civic places and to improve accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure the identity of members of law enforcement. We are particularly mindful of comments suggesting that ICE members might surround polling places in our November 2026 elections. The presence of masked individuals in any of Virginia’s polling places would interfere with the electoral process at all levels and discourage people from freely exercising their right to vote. The intimidation of voters has no place in this Commonwealth. The Silver Team for Democracy is a group of senior citizens registered to vote in Virginia.

I support this bill and am in favor of the increased safety it will provide for our communities and for my neighbors. I support banning face coverings for federal officers, restricting immigration enforcement officers to 40 feet from polling places, and prohibiting immigration enforcement from schools, hospitals and other above mentioned safe spaces. Limits need to be placed on rogue federal agents, due process upheld and American communities protected.

I am a resident of Alexandria, VA House District 5. I am writing in support of bills in support of HB650, HB1260, HB 1262, HB 1264, HB1265, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, and HB1492. These bills are a critical way that we Virginian's can ensure the safety of our communities from Federal overreach. HB650, HB1440, and HB1442 would protect areas that were traditionally not targeted for immigration enforcement. These places, schools, hospitals, courts, places of worship, are critical in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our community. Right now, families regardless of their immigration status are afraid to leave their houses in order to attend church, go to school, get medical care, or attend important court hearings because they are rightfully worried they will be unjustly detained by ICE due to the color of their skin, the language they speak, or their accent. These bills would help restore access to these Virginians. HB1442 is especially important, as it stops enforcement of immigration laws within 40 feet of polling locations. Given statements by the administration on using ICE around polling places, this bill is critical to ensuring the integrity of our elections. HB1438, HB1441, and HB1482 are critical in building public trust with state and local law enforcement. Currently, federal immigration agents do not identify themselves and wear masks. This causes not only fear in the community and obstruct accountability for these agents, but it makes communities distrust any person wearing camo or who looks like law enforcement as it is difficult to tell who is a federal agent and who is our local law enforcement. These bills also work to prohibit local/state law enforcement to enforce federal immigration law without a judicial warrant. This takes the burden off of local law enforcement in determining what type of warrant they must honor and how they should interact with federal immigration authorities. Finally, HB1260 ensures that schools across the Commonwealth understand and have a plan to interact with immigration enforcement. This bill instructs schools to limit immigration authorities from entering nonpublic areas without a judicial warrant, again restoring to children their ability to attend school without fear. This bill also removes the responsibility and burden from local school boards in determining when and how they should respond to federal immigration authorities, and protects them from being targeted by the administration. In totality, these bills protect Virginians and work to return to them their rights to due process and their sense of safety and dignity that have been taken by the administration.

Any even mildly engaged Virginian ought be alarmed at the slow civil war being carried out on the people of Minneapolis. That is why I fully support HB1264 and HB1482 as critical societal checks on the administration's unfettered military force. Additionally, I support HB650/HB1260 (aren't these the same bill?), HB1265, HB1438, HB1440, and HB1441 for creating safe places and walling off our own government and enforcement agencies from this radical influence. Lastly, steps taken in HB1442 could become extremely important to protecting our democracy as the administration would spiritually invert the Second and Third Enforcement Acts, using the same federal authority that stopped the KKK from harassing black voters in 1870 to instead perform the same kind of intimidation on brown voters in 2026. I oppose HB1459's mandate of cooperation with ICE to snatch untried people out of custody, circumvent the consequences of convicted people by our own justice system, or enact additional punitive measures post incarceration. There is additional alarming language that might imply "going after the families". If state and local PD have a case where they want to cooperate, they already can do so. This bill removes that choice and puts it into a provably untrustworthy institution. I generally support HB1262 and HB1492 for cracking down on bad actors that would take advantage of these troubling times. However, I question the necessity of HB1492: while the long imagined scenario is extremely troubling, we have already seen what evils actual ICE officers are capable of, and how low the bar for entry is. Would this actually help? I mislike HB1453, which goes against our rights as American citizens and good Samaritans to non-violently oppose the actions of federal terrorists.

It would be wrong for the Commonwealth to provide additional assistance to federal immigration enforcement while those federal officers obscure their identities, flout the nation's laws and harass and detain citizens. Do not permit these same federal officers into our schools, hospitals or state offices without authorization.

My name is Yonah Walter. I am a resident of District 10. I am writing in support of bills which enhance public trust in our law enforcement and respect civil rights in our communities. I am a volunteer with the Virginia chapter of Jews United for Justice, but I speak as the great-grandson of immigrants who came as chain migrants with the help of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS), and as someone inculcated with strong Jewish values including a bedrock principle of respect for all. The American promise of "liberty and justice for all" was a strong call for my family, but to now hear our government speak so coldly about immigrants - let alone to see how our government has mistreated those they even suspect of being immigrants - has disappointed me greatly. The shooting deaths by ICE of nearly a dozen Americans in just the last few months, and the immoral and self-serving rush by the government to blame the victims in those shootings, demands we act to curb these abuses and keep our government in check. We need accountability from government agents, which includes the right to know who purports to represent us and act on our behalf in law enforcement. We need to protect access to public spaces like courthouses and (perhaps especially) polling places. We need to vigorously protect the right of people to move freely without fear of harassment or assault by law enforcement. We need to restore trust in our government. I respectfully urge this committee to support the following: HB650 HB1260 HB1262 HB1264 HB1265 HB1438 HB1440 HB1441 HB1442 HB1482 HB1492

I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills protect sensitive spaces such as courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places, and hospitals from intimidation by federal immigration enforcement. They strengthen public trust and improve accountability by restricting law enforcement officers from obscuring their identities. I oppose HB1459, which would force state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would seriously damage public trust in local law enforcement.

I am writing in support of HB1438. Over the past months I have been completely horrified by the unconscionable acts committed by immigration officials, in Minnesota and across the country. I have seen my fellow Americans gunned down in the streets. I have seen people being dragged from their homes. I have seen a 5 year old boy used as bait, to lure other family members into the hands of immigration officials. This madness must stop, and it is the responsibility of every elected official to do everything in their power to protect their communities from this violence. It is the responsibility of every elected official to ensure that ICE, DHS and immigration cannot commit any more atrocities on our streets. This bill provides many of the protections our communities need, including prohibiting state/local law enforcement from entering agreements with federal immigration officers; requiring judicial warrants for enforcement of immigration and prohibiting state employees or law-enforcement from conducting actions or inquiries regarding immigration. I strongly support HB1438 and the protections it will put in place, and I ask that the House of Delegates does as well.

My name is Paula Roney. I am a resident of District 3. I am submitting this testimony in support of HB650, HB1260, HB 1262, HB 1264, HB1265, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, and HB1492. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This would strengthen public trust and improve accountability. As a long time Virginia public school educator, a grandchild of immigrants who came to this country to escape persecution, and a member of Jews United for Justice, I know the importance of welcoming immigrants to our country. I’ve worked with many students who came to the United States, often on their own, to escape harrowing circumstances. It is vital that they, and all other people are able to attend school, receive medical treatment and be able to access the legal system without fear. Therefore it is critical that our Commonwealth protects access to these vital community services. I respectfully urge this committee to support these bills. Thank you.

My name is Susan Kohn. I am a resident of District 15. I am submitting this testimony in support of HB 650,1260, 1262,1264,1265,1438,1440,1441,1453,1492 and in opposition of HB 1459 and 1482. As a pediatrician I am horrified to see my immigrant patients and their families living in fear. I work with children through a non-profit organization that helps to provide access to medical and dental care in Fairfax County. We see hardworking families who are afraid to access health care or even to send their children to school. They worry when someone leaves the house. Will they come back from work, the grocery store, court or school- or be taken by ICE? How can they continue to provide for their children? The children and teens I see were brought to the United States for a better life. Many experienced violence, political upheaval and uncertainty or severe poverty in their countries of origin, which led their parents to seek a place of safety, where they could thrive. My grandparents came to this country in the face of pogroms that terrorized our families in Eastern Europe. They worked hard, as our current immigrants do, to make a future for their children. Our Jewish sacred texts obligate us to care for the stranger and treat all with respect and kindness. They are part of the fabric of a great society. Our neighbors must be able to testify in court if they have been victimized or if they have requested asylum, without the fear of being deported when they show up. All Virginians, whether they are citizens or not, must have the right to access schools, hospitals, places of worship and polling places without fear of intimidation or deportation. All must be able to clearly see the identity of law enforcement personnel and have their day in court with proper representation if accused. Local police should be doing the work of maintaining safety for all residents- not helping ICE deport people without due process. As a Virginian I believe we have a duty to protect those who are most vulnerable in our community. At this time it is our immigrant neighbors who need our help. I respectfully urge this committee to support HB 650, 1260, 1262, 1264, 1265,1438, 1440, 1441,1442, 1453,1492 and oppose HB1459 and HB1482.

I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.

My comment refers to all bills on the agenda. The Commonwealth of Virginia must take any and all legal action to prevent ICE from terrorizing any Virginia individual or community. This includes all people who come to this country seeking a better life for themselves and their families, just as the many millions before them have done throughout America’s history.

I am a resident of Virginia House of Delegates District One (Del. Hope). I am submitting this testimony in support of House Bills proposing to de-link Virginia Schools, courthouses, protected areas and polling places from being places of enforcement of federal immigration laws by federal agents. Specifically, HB#1260 (no immigration enforcement in schools), HB-1265 (courthouses), HB-1438 (287g agreements prohibited), HB-1440 (protected areas-hospitals, schools, etc), HB-1441 (law enforcement cooperation only with a valid judicial warrant) and HB-1442 (polling places) My family includes two members born overseas, one came as a political refugee. We are longtime members of Temple Rodef Shalom and we work or volunteer in the service of the immigrant community and basic human rights, including in the legal profession. These bills will protect privacy and basic human rights of immigrants, creating safe spaces so they may continue to dwell in peace in our communities. Public safety is improved if immigrants are not loath to report crimes or to show up for their own legal or immigration required appointments without fear of immediate detention without due legal process, or have their children attend school and continue to advance peacefully in our commonwealth. We have seen in Latin America, Africa and other regions the devastation which governments can cause against their citizens, where the USA has been a beacon of hope. And we have seen the benefit when we welcome immigrants to participate fully in business and communities in our country and state: economic benefits which under the current environment are depressed, as many residents miss work and school and doctor appointments due to widespread dragnet approach to immigration by the federal government. I respectfully urge this committee to support the HBs listed above. Thank you.

We want public safety, not public abductions and executions. We have learned that ICE does not respect rule of law or human rights, so support these bills to keep Virginians safe. Every child deserves an education. Every child deserves to be safe at school. Every sick or injured person deserves medical care. So keep ICE out of our school, hospitals, and courthouses. No judicial warrant should mean no entry- and limit what civil arrests can take place in courthouses. We want police to protect, not persecute. So eliminate 287g agreements in Virginia. Allow our local law enforcement to do their job of keeping communities safe, instead of doing ICE's dirty work for them. We want rule of law, not rule by masked mobs. Do not allow law enforcement to cover their faces. That's not community policing- that's KKK tactics. We want free and fair elections, not a return to Jim Crow era intimidation at the polls. Citizens are not safe from ICE, either. Do not allow the federal government to use "immigration enforcement" as a rouse to silence eligible voters through fear and profiling. Support: HB650 - Callsen HB1260 - Shin HB1262 - Glass HB1264 - Shin HB1265 - Glass HB1438 - Guzman HB1440 - Lopez HB1441 - Lopez HB1442 - Lopez HB1453 - Williams HB1459 - Zehr HB1482 - Schmidt HB1492 - Shin

Like many Americans, I have become increasingly alarmed by the immigration enforcement tactics being employed by ICE. While I agree that individuals who are here illegally can and should, in some cases, be deported - ICE is terrorizing immigrant communities in a way that is completely unacceptable and, frankly, un-American. I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482, which would help protect our immigrant communities from terrorization by ICE agents. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. Thank you, Zachary West Constituent from Alexandria

Please support HB1438. This bill would end 287(g) agreements between local law enforcement and limit collaborating with ICE for both local and state-level law enforcement agencies. This is necessary because of the many egregious, highly public actions ICE is taking - in other states as well as here in parts of Virginia. And, I don't want my state to have collaborating on federal immigration issues be treated like a tennis ball that can change with any gubernatorial administration. We need the force of real law. Finally, it should never have been a local law enforcement agency's prerogative to collaborate with ICE or any federal immigration authority. Immigrants are an important part of our communities, and the more pressure they are under to live hidden lives the less safe we ALL are.

It is essential that we take steps to protect Virginia’s communities and especially in sensitive spaces - our kids, the sick, faith communities. We must protect courtrooms and the rule of law and polling places to allow for free and fair elections. ICE is a threat to our democracy and our safety and that of our neighbors. Please do all that you can to preserve the needed checks and balances and protect our democracy!

I’m very concerned with the overreaching of ICE. They have terrorized communities, broken apart families, disrupted children’s education, wrongfully detained people and even murdered American citizens. Please keep all safeguards in place to protect our citizens. Warrants should be in place before they come after people. ICE agents should follow the same laws and training that police officers are required to. ICE should not be allowed to wait outside or enter courthouses. They should not be wearing masks. This is leading to more dangerous escalations as we have seen in Minneapolis. Please vote to protect the rights of our people, maintain a safe community, and honor the laws and Constitution of our once great country. Please listen to your constituents. We are a country of immigrants and we are all humans. Do what is right.

As a long time resident of Virginia, I have watched the horrific attack on our immigrant population by our federal government. I write to encourage support of these bills to provide additional state protections to our local immigrant communities. It is the moral thing to do. Thank you. Stephanie Elms Alexandria VA

Please support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. Please oppose HB1459. I have taught English to immigrants (both adults and children) here in Roanoke for 15 years. They come from all over the world, speak all different languages, and practice all different religions. They are some of the most grateful, respectful, hard working, generous people I've met. They are a gift and a blessing to my community. All of them want to become legal citizens and contribute to our society. The undocumented ones are here out of desperation and our immigration system makes it impossible for them to be here legally while being safe from the danger of their home countries. I fear for their safety since ICE is unconstitutionally invading people's homes, detaining people without warrants, detaining people who have no criminal record, and have detained legal immigrants and even U.S. citizens. ICE is operating carelessly and irresponsibly. Please protect my immigrant neighbors, students, and friends. Thank you.

I strongly support every bill that limits federal immigration enforcement overreach. Virginia Majority stands in solidarity with immigrant communities across Virginia. We believe that all people, regardless of race, class, or immigration status, deserve to live with dignity, safety, and access to fundamental rights. I support policies that limit federal immigration enforcement overreach, protect access to courts and essential services, and prevent local resources from being used to separate families and criminalize our neighbors. Virginia must lead in protecting immigrant rights by establishing clear boundaries on immigration enforcement activities in our communities, ensuring safe access to schools, healthcare, courthouses, and other essential spaces, and maintaining the trust between local officials and the communities they serve. These policies have my support and are measures that would affirm Virginia’s commitment to being a place where all residents can participate fully in civic life without fear.

I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.

SUPPORT: HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, HB1492. OPPOSE: HB1459 Our communities deserve protection from the overreach of the federal government. At a minimum, this means putting strong boundaries on the activity of federal immigration officers and requiring them to follow existing laws and those that are enacted by this general assembly. We need to protect sensitive spaces like schools, courtrooms, places of worship, hospitals and polling places from ICE/CBP intimidation. All officers - including local law enforcement - should be prohibited from wearing masks or face coverings and ID should be required. In addition, local law enforcement should be prohibited from entering agreements with federal immigration officers and judicial warrants for enforcement should be required. Currently our communities are less safe. We need to stop the unchecked abusive activity by ICE/CBP.

I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.

I am a pro bono immigration attorney and court watcher, and forme rly a DOJ employee and I know first hand about the overreach of ICE in its detaining people who rather than being the worst of the worst, are actually the best of the best that America has to offer. I represent youngsters who have achieved Special Immigrant Juvenile status and they are still being dragged off the streets. Immigrants are the fabric of our society. We all either are immigrants or trace our roots to immigrants unless we are Native Americans, For those who are illegal because the US makes it is next to impossible to come here illegally from countries inhabited by people of color, they benefit our country, and now we are openly banning those people and giving preference to whites falsely labeled as victims of racism. The system is inverted. We should be thankful for all immigrants. . Instead, the Trump regime treats them - nif they are people of color - like they aren't even human. It's despicable, and it needs to be stopped. Practices that used to be unheard of - going into churches and schools and courthouses and private homes, warrantless, to drag immigrants away from their families and into detention - are commonplace. And inhumane. And much is unconstitutional. We cannot become the next Minneapolis. God bless their response to the invading terrorists. We'll do the same if we have to. But you can prevent it or at least mitigrate the damage. The steps you can take are to use your legislative authority to create protections for the immigrants in our state. You can and must support protection that at least attempts to reign in ICE, among other legislative goals: HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would, among other policies, protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. And they would prevent local law enforcement to work with federal immigrant officers in their terrorizing of immigrants. As we devolve into authoritarism, I am begging you to slow down the march, doing what you can do to protect Virginians. Hopefully, state legislators all over the country, not just blue states, will do the same and protect americans - citizens and non-citizens - from the gross abuses of the law and the lack of humanity of this regime. I know I will continue to fight the regime but Virginians need the help of their legislators in this monumental task. Thank you.

I am in support for HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers; restricts face coverings and requires identification of law enforcement; and prohibits state/local law enforcement from entering agreements with federal immigration officers; requires judicial warrants for enforcement of immigration; I oppose HB1459, misleadingly titled "The Ice-free Communities Act". Requires that when VA law enforcement is holding someone in custody and receives an immigration detainer, they must notify ICE/CBP of the date and time of the detainee's expected release.

Support ending 287(g) agreements in Virginia and open collaboration with ICE. Dear Delegates Adele McClure, Joshua Thomas, Dan Helmer, Marcus Simon, My name is Athena Scalise, and I am a resident of Fairfax County since 2001. I am writing to our representatives to urge you to support HB 1438 that ENDS 287(g) agreements and opens voluntary collaboration between Virginia state and local law enforcement with ICE. 287(g) agreements have led to serious violations of people’s rights, including unlawful detention and the separation of families, and caused serious harm, both immediate and long-term. When local law enforcement is redirected to enforce civil immigration law, immigrant communities are driven into the shadows, making people less likely to report crimes, cooperate with police, seek emergency care, undermining safety and security for everyone in our communities. I respectfully implore delegates to unequivocally support, and vote in favor of, HB 1438. Thank you for your leadership and for your service to our dynamic diverse communities. With gratitude, Athena Scalise

I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.

Law enforcement in VA should be focusing on our needs for public safety and to solve crimes, not help federal agents with immigration enforcement. Let's not divert our employees and officers to something that is not part of their mission by voting yes on HB1438.

Esteemed representatives, My name is Lorena Brady, I have called Virginia my home since 1992, when I arrived via legal pathways from Ecuador, I was 8 years old. I am writing today to respectfully demand that you support HB 1438 that ends 287(g) agreements and the possibility of any collaboration between VA state and local law enforcement with ICE. ICE is terrorizing my community, the everyday threats of detention, family separation are causing long term trauma to my chosen family and neighbors in Virginia. ICE is violating our basic human rights, including unlawful detention, right to safety and life. My son, a US citizen, is only 5 years old and I’ve had to explain to him who the “bad police are” because of what he has witnessed, what he hears his fellow kindergarten classmates say about the fear they are living in. As a community we deserve better, our local law enforcement can not be used to enforce civil immigration law. My fellow immigrant neighbors are hiding, fearful of going to work, sending their children to school. ICE must not be kept out of our schools. Furthermore, we are afraid to report crimes to the police. This hinders effective policing, and compromises everyone's security. Virginia is our home too, we are not criminals, we deserve dignity and the opportunity to live free of racial profiling and undue harm. I respectfully ask that you support and vote in favor of HB 1438. Thank you for your leadership and service to our community.

I am Kade Keller from Richmond, VA. I write in support of House Bills 1260, 1265, 1438, 1440, 1441, 1442, 1482, and 1492. These policies affirm Virginia’s commitment to being a place where all residents can participate fully in civic life without fear. Virginia must lead in protecting immigrant rights by establishing clear boundaries for immigration enforcement in our communities, ensuring safe access to schools, healthcare, courthouses, and other essential spaces, and maintaining trust between local officials and the communities they serve. All people, regardless of race, class, or immigration status, deserve to live with dignity, safety, and access to fundamental rights.

This is an opportunity for the Commonwealth to respect and protect the riaghts of ALL Virginia citizens. I strongly I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482.

I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.

I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. Mary Bennett Alexandria Resident I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement. Mary Bennett Alexandria Resident

My name is Rachel Waldstein. I am a resident of District #1. I am submitting this testimony in support of the following bills: • HB 650 Callsen Courthouses • HB 1260 Shin Public elementary/secondary schools, etc; federal immigration investigation and enforcement activities • HB 1262 Glass Va Consumer Protection Act • HB 1264 Shin Virginia Accountability Commission • HB 1265 Glass Courthouses • HB 1438 Guzman 287g • HB 1440 Lopez Protected Areas • HB 1441 Lopez 287g • HB 1442 Lopez Polling Place Protections • HB 1482 Schmidt facemasks • HB 1492 Shin Impersonating federal law enforcement officer I oppose the following bills: • HB 1453 Williams Approaching a first responder with specified intent after a warning; penalty • HB 1459 Zehr Ice-Free Communities Act; notification to federal immigration authorities of pending release of certain prisoners from custody I am a member of Congregation Etz Hayim in Arlington and spent a large part of my career representing the U.S. government in the protection of human rights around the world. I support HB 650, 1260, 1262, 1264, 1265, 1438, 1440, 1441, 1442, 1482, and 1492 based on my Jewish values and my life’s work. Jewish tradition and law recognize the equality and dignity of all people and respect their right to life, bodily integrity, health, housing, education, and due process. The Jewish people have been refugees many times in the past and have often experienced mistreatment by authoritarian governments. It is thus my duty to stand in support of marginalized communities and against government abuses. Law enforcement authorities should not deprive anyone--even those in this country illegally--of life, liberty, or property without following established legal procedures that respect their rights. Since the Federal government has abdicated its responsibilities before the law and Constitution, it is up to the States to uphold national and international human rights law. Passing the above listed bills will make our communities to be safer and will give Commonwealth officials a legal basis to push back on Federal law enforcement officials who break the law. I strongly believe HB 650, 1260, 1262, 1264, 1265, 1438, 1440, 1441, 1442, 1482, and 1492 will improve the lives of all Virginians by allowing us to return our focus to strengthening our economy, education and healthcare systems, and by returning a sense of humanity to our Commonwealth. I oppose HB 1453 and 1459, which I believe will create more fear in our communities and impede Virginians’ ability to express their First Amendment rights. I respectfully urge this committee to support HB 650, 1260, 1262, 1264, 1265, 1438, 1440, 1441, 1442, 1482, and 1492 and to oppose HB 1453 and 1459.

I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places, and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.

I strongly support the following bills and urge the committee members to pass them on so they can make their way to the House in order to be discussed by all the Delegates: HB1492, HB1482, HB1453, HB1442, HB1441, HB1440, HB1438, HB1265, HB1264, HB1262, HB1260, and HB650. These bills provide much needed limits on ICE agents, and life-saving protections for tens of thousands of people in our commonwealth. Please do the right thing and keep these bills alive and moving through our legislative system.

Bills HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482 have my support and I think they are needed in these times. Courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals should be safe places for al and free from heavy handed ICE tactics.. I oppose HB1459 -- ICE should not get any help from law-abiding Virginia forces.

Support HB 650 1260 1262 1264 1265 1438 1440 1441 1442 1482

I write in support of House Bills 1260, 1265, 1438, 1440, 1441, 1442, 1482, and 1492. These policies affirm Virginia’s commitment to being a place where all residents can participate fully in civic life without fear. Virginia must lead in protecting immigrant rights by establishing clear boundaries for immigration enforcement in our communities, ensuring safe access to schools, healthcare, courthouses, and other essential spaces, and maintaining trust between local officials and the communities they serve. We must stand united to protect our immigrant communities from the threats coming from our federal government, as we do with the many other threats and challenges we face from the Trump Administration. All people, regardless of race, class, or immigration status, deserve to live with dignity, safety, and access to fundamental rights.

My name is Federico Cura and I’m an Arlingtonian. I love American freedom & democracy with all my heart and despise anyone trying to harm this great nation especially the morally bankrupt Maga Gop and its criminal president. I want to speak in favor of legislation to limit the abuse of armed masked ICE thugs that have become the Maga militia. I support several bill before this committee but especially Delegate Guzman’s HB1438. Ban ALL Virginia-based law enforcement collaboration with Maga militia ICE which is a border protection agency that belongs at the border and not in states willing to protect voters and that will not bend over and hand over voter rolls to help the trump regime and the Maga Gop corrupt elections they CANNOT win. Also, ban courthouse arrests, keep armed masked ICE thugs out of Virginia schools, and stop any kind of data sharing with this federal agency gone rogue, irresponsible, and unaccountable. Like many other things, the morally bankrupt Maga Gop has corrupted ICE which seems like run by the same domestic terrorists who participated in the antiAmerica Jan 6 terror attack in Washington. From Maine to MN to OH the brave of us are joining together by the thousands to free our cities and Democratically run states from armed masked ICE thugs. It’s time! It’s time to free our cities from masked Maga militias, free our friends & loved ones from abductions & concentration camps, & free America from this cowardly regime of the bullies, for the billionaires. Virginia’s local law enforcement should focus on lawfully protecting public safety and fighting against all threats to the safety, dignity, and well-being of all who live in and travel through Virginia. ICE says it’s focused on one thing but its actions tell a very different story. It s very troubling to hear now Maga leaders like Steve Bannon talk about using essentially armed masked ICE thugs to assault the citizens’ freedom to choose their own representatives in the coming election. The freedom to vote is an essential pillar of our nation’s freedom & democracy.

I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.

I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.

I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.

Regarding proposed bills HB650, HB1260, HB 1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482: As an alarmed citizen I urge the Safety committee to advance the urgently needed provisions in these bills to help rein in the increasingly extreme and unlawful activities of CBP and ICE.

see attached

My name is Margaret Power. I have been a voting resident of District 6 for 37 years. I am submitting this testimony in support of most of the bills pending for your action today. I am the great-granddaughter of immigrants escaping poverty, famine, and persecution in their native land and striving to afford the ‘chain migration’ that re-united them with their families. I am the great-niece of German Jews who were denied entry and were murdered in Hitler’s camps. I am the daughter-in-law of an American Jewish woman, who, as a 13-year-old, escaped Poland and crossed a remote stretch of our northern border without documents during the Hitler years when America turned away refugees. I am the grandmother of two talented, bi-lingual and totally adorable Americans who are nearly as brown as their naturalized father, a Colombian-born doctor. I fear their own government will harm them. Or kill them. Truly- I cannot believe that a time has come in which it is not insane for me to have such fears. I belong to Temple Rodef Shalom in Falls church, where, in collaboration with other faith communities, we have long organized sustained support and services for new refugees, predominantly Afghan friends of the US. As Chairman Simon knows, our community actively advocates for inclusive and just public policy here in Richmond and in the nation’s capital. I respectfully urge you to send these bills forward and to advocate for their passage; collectively, they protect Virginians from violent abuses of federal power, they ensure that some of our essential public services- schools, hospitals and the courts- can be accessed by all; they preserve the sovereignty of the Commonwealth with respect to our law enforcement roles, while assuring federal-state-local collaboration with respect to removing criminals from our midst. As a package, they reinforce the rule of law, including protection of our constitutional rights; they reduce the likelihood of violence in our public spaces; they offer our neighbors - and my grandchildren- better protection by requiring federal immigration agents follow the same transparency standards as state and local law enforcement, and they restore some measure of confidence that we citizens are also unlikely to be kidnapped, injured or murdered so long as we are Virginians. I oppose passage of HB 1453, as it limits our right to free expression, and I also oppose HB1459, which is unnecessary because the Governor’s executive order allows federal-state cooperation with respect to convicted criminals, and, if read to add instances in which individuals can be delivered to DHS, would breach the boundaries established by HB 650 which I strongly support. I respectfully urge this subcommittee to support HB#650, HB#1260,HB#1262,HB#1264,HB#1265, HB#1438, B1440,HB1441,HB1442,HB1482, AND HB1492

I support all these bills which, to my reading of them, extend protections of the law to people attending court appointments so that they cannot be detained by immigration enforcement authorities (or people impersonating immigration enforcement authorities). I support requiring law enforcement officials to not wear masks and to have visible identification, and also not to engage in immigration enforcement activities. I also support bills which protect schools, churches, and private workplaces from immigration enforcement activities, and require judicial warrants (warrants signed by a judge) for any immigration enforcement operation. I would like to see bills requiring due process for any persons detained, including but not limited to access to a lawyer, ability to make phone calls, and right to be treated with dignity and humanity.

My name is Robert Stewart, and I live in Chantilly, Virginia -- Fairfax County. I am an 86 year old Virginia voter and taxpayer, writing today to urge you to support HB 1438, legislation that would end Virginia’s 287(g) agreements and restore clear boundaries between local law enforcement and federal civil immigration enforcement. The record on 287(g) agreements is deeply troubling. Across our country, these agreements have been associated with unlawful detention, racial profiling, and the separation of families, often without any connection to serious criminal activity. Civil immigration violations are not crimes, yet 287(g) deputizes local officers to act as immigration agents—placing them in roles for which they are neither trained nor intended. This approach undermines public safety rather than strengthening it. When immigrant residents fear that a traffic stop, a call for help, or a report of domestic violence could lead to detention or deportation, they understandably stay silent. Crimes go unreported. Witnesses disappear. Trust between police and the communities they serve erodes. That makes all of us less safe. HB 1438 does not prevent cooperation with federal authorities when legally required. Instead, it restores voluntary, transparent, and appropriate collaboration, while ensuring that local law enforcement can focus on what they are meant to do: keep communities safe, build trust, and uphold constitutional rights. I respectfully urge you to vote yes on HB 1438. Virginia should choose policies that promote safety, fairness, and the dignity of families—not ones that create fear and division.

I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would extend protection to sensitive civic spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers using easily obtained administrative warrants, strengthen public trust and accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity and require that all federal, state and local law enforcement agents are clearly identified by badge and agency, and restrict state and local law enforcement from entering into agreements that require that they act as immigration enforcement officers. There has been ample video footage and court rulings that show that CBP and ICE have exercised excessive force in many of our nation's cities and towns. We need laws that will help to keep Virginians safe.

Writing as a concerned Virginia resident and parent. I support passage of any bill that limits or prevents ICE from acting lawlessly as they have been around any protected spaces. Our neighbors, children and communities should be able to safely conduct business and learn without fear of ICE grabbing them, possibly causing long term trauma from over aggressive tactics to settle what is a civil matter. I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442 and HB1482. I oppose HB1459 to work with ICE in any capacity due to their cruelty.

I fully support every bill that safeguards and protects our immigrant neighbors from the lawless, cruel, immoral and shameful acts committed by federal agents and DHS.

My name is Cindy Denton-Ade . I am a resident of Burke, District 10 . I am submitting testimony in support of bills HB 650, 1260 ,1262 ,1264, 1265,1438,1440,1441,1442,1448,1482,1492. I am a member of Temple B’nai Shalom. All of my Grandparents were immigrants from other counties: the Ukraine, Belarus. If not for the welcoming policies of the United States when they immigrated, they would have been surely been all killed in the Holocaust. My very lovely handyman, who comes from Columbia and is a citizen, was fearful about driving to D.C. Because he felt he would be targeted by ICE. This is not right! Jewish values promote welcoming and protecting the stranger. These bills will go a long way to do just. Virginia, my chosen home, has taken many positive actions since Governor Spanberger has taken office. Let these bills be an addition to actions we can be proud of in protecting immigrants men, women, and children.

Hello, We support the bills that were checked off above to decrease the power & tyranny of ICE. We don't want law-abiding VA citizens exercising their civil rights to be assaulted, injured, or killed. Also, please OPPOSE HB 1459. Unfortunately, if passed, this will give ICE an edge in harassing and arresting our immigrant neighbors. Third, do any of these bills disallow ICE facilities from either opening or operating in VA? If not, is there a way to introduce this language in one of the proposed bills? Thank you! Ana & David Shannon

As a concerned resident of Alexandria who cares deeply about my neighbors, I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I strongly oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.

To Va State Legislators, The Trump regime is terrorizing our communities across the US with brutal Immigration enforcement campaigns designed to test the limits of Executive power and the nation’s willingness to stand up against Trump’s Power grab. Masked federal agents are teargassing babies and pastors, Kidnapping neighbors and shipping them off to what will soon be known as American Concentration Camps. To make matters worse these thugs are Killing innocent people right in front of our own eyes. This is outrageous. This pattern of unchecked violence and abuse by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Border Patrol, and other federal law enforcement agencies must end. And surely these types of operations by such thugs have NO PLACE IN our state of VIRGINIA! As state legislators, YOU can rein in this type of lawlessness and protect Virginians from these types of unconstitutional actions and keep us all safe from these thugs! We support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills above would protect sensitive spaces like cortrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. Simply put, Passage of these bills will strengthen public trust and improve accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. We oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement. Please work together and vote to Pass HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. Keeping our Virginians safe and protected is your number one job! AND OPPOSE HB 1459 to keep us safe and to build public trust in law enforcement! Your constituents, James and Elizabeth Dolan Arlington, Va. 02/04/2026

HB 650 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law. OPPOSE HB 1260 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law. OPPOSE HB 1264 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law by attempting to intimidate federal law enforcement officers. OPPOSE. HB 1265 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law. OPPOSE HB 1438 Creates division between federal, state, and local law enforcement. Blatantly covers for illegals. OPPOSE HB 1440 Blatantly covers for illegals. OPPOSE HB 1441 Creates division between federal, state, and local law enforcement. Blatantly covers for illegals. OPPOSE HB 1442 If Illegals aren’t supposed to vote, why would this bill be needed? OPPOSE HB 1482 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement law enforcement by intimidating them. In some instances, their identity needs to be protected to prevent retribution. OPPOSE HB 1492 This is already a violation of federal law and is unnecessary. See 18 USC SS 912 and SS 913. OPPOSE

Hello, My name is Tyneshia Griffin and I am constituent in Kimberly Pope Adams's District 82. I am in strong support of HB1492, HB482, HB1441, HB1440, HB1438, HB1265, and HB650. These bills are urgently needed to protect immigrant communities and all communities in the state from racially motivated, state-sanctioned, community-based violence being executed by federal agents, local law enforcement affiliating with federal agencies, and citizens who may be motivated to violently target immigrants in the Commonwealth to also stoke fear, shame, panic, and harm on their of their own volition. In my area, ICE has invaded public spaces, kidnapping folks from bus stations for example, making it less safe for members of my community, including myself access transportation, feel safe to move about in our community, and safe free detainment and incarceration. I do not depend on transit solely, but when I need it, it is incredibly helpful for helping me get around the area safely and cheaply. Seniors with no transportation support, folks getting to and from work, students going to school, and folks looking for temporary shelter deserve access to safe public transit, streets, schools, faith centers, workplaces, courthouse, neighborhoods - throughout their entire community. My neighbors and I deserve to be treated with dignity and protected from community-violence and detainment in inhumane jails/camps and these bills provide for that and a failure to pass them fails to complete these responsibilities by leaders and the state. Protect Virginians, protect immigrant communities now.

My name is Karen Menichelli, and I have resided in Arlington, VA, for over 40 years, currently living in House District 1. I have cherished the diverse and welcoming nature of my community and feel enriched by the many immigrants from around the world who have decided to make their lives here. I am worried for my neighbors given the unnecessarily reckless and cruel practices of our federal immigration officers exhibited in cities like Portland, OR, and Minneapolis, WI. I don’t want those behaviors, which sow mistrust and waste resources, brought to Virginia. I want to protect the humanity, dignity, and safety of our immigrant neighbors and allow free access to important community services without fear of harassment or harm from federal agents. Therefore, I strongly support the above indicated cluster of bills under consideration by the Public Safety Subcommittee and urge the subcommittee to champion these bills and send strong versions to the full House for a vote.

HI my name Abdulazeez I am from Charlottesville. I am writing to you to urge you to support HB 1440 Comprehensive sensitive places bill - this bill prohibits ICE entry of ICE into VA-owned schools, hospitals, and prosecutor's offices. thank you!

My name is Ricki Henschel. I am a resident of District 3. I am submitting this testimony on behalf of Jews United for Justice in support of all of the following bills: HB 650, HB1260, HB1262, HB1264, HB1265, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, and HB1492. JUFJ organizes Jewish Virginians and allies in support of local campaigns for social, racial, and economic justice. Judaism teaches that we are all made in the image of God. The Bible is clear that we are to welcome the stranger, as this is mentioned more times than any other obligation in the Bible. The assault on and kidnapping of individuals by ICE, pulled from their cars, their homes, their places of work, as if they were violent criminals, is directly in opposition of Jewish values, and should not be happening in our state. . The vast majority of those arrested are not individuals who have committed any crime, and many are in the process of obtaining legal status. We also know that citizens are also being taken because they fit the profile. The ICE raids and deportation machine are harming people indiscriminately: Parents, children, and students are being swept up as they attend routine immigration check-ins and court hearings, go to work, and run their errands. In my community, children are scared to go to school, and parents are concerned about taking their children to school, including those who with legal status, as the reality is that ICE is sweeping up individuals based on skin color and accents. Asking for papers and documentation and creating a reality where people feel they have to always have their papers on them everywhere they go, is reminiscent of every society that has been overtaken by autocracy. In addition, as an individual who has experienced sexual violence, it is no surprise that many in our community are afraid to go to our courts or access services. Everyone should be able to live with safety and dignity – including going to court without fear. Enabling law enforcement to be masked adds to the trauma being created. In addition, state and local police need to be seen as those protecting our communities, not as part of the federal work of ICE. And most recently, the threat of having ICE at polling places has been introduced. This must not be allowed in Virginia. Many citizens fit ICE’s profile, and they will be harassed and maybe too frightened to go to the polls. This can not be allowed. I respectfully urge this committee to support each of these bills that control the methods and manner in which ICE operates within our borders–HB 650, HB1260, HB1262, HB1264, HB1265, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, and HB1492. We have the right to require them to follow our laws and the US Constitution. We must welcome the stranger.

I am a resident of Virginia state district 39. We have seen our fair share of unidentified, masked men who have harassed and intimidated our citizens. Please move these bills forward. I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.

I am writing to encourage the passage of all possible legal remedies to protect our immigrant neighbors from indiscriminant and inhumane enforcement of federal immigration law, especially HB 1438 and HB 650. The first is particularly important to prevent local and state law enforcement from being distracted from their fundamental responsibility to protect the people of the Commonwealth and enforce its laws. Moreover, our state and local law enforcement officers should not have their respect in the community undermined by cooperation with federal agencies that have, under the current administration, displayedegregious disregard for the human and constitutional rights of people living in the United States, for due process, and ordinary procedures for investigating charges of misconduct. HB 650 is equally significant. People should not be afraid of participating in court proceedings by the prospect of arrests unrelated to those proceedings and should be fully protected from arrest without the due process enumerated in this bill.

Dear Subcommittee Members, I strongly urge you to support Delegate Guzman’s proposed legislation HB 1438. We need clear, sturdy guardrails to keep DHS, the US Border Patrol, and ICE in check in Virginia. Sadly, we cannot depend on the federal government to rein these agencies in. After all, it is the Trump Administration that is unleashing them to brutalize immigrants and peaceful protesters and trample the rule of law. Let’s show the rest of the country how Virginia protects Virginians and respects the human rights of anyone within our borders. Thank you, Mark Jackley

It is clear to me that the actions of ICE and CBP are not simply aimed at carrying out immigration laws; these federal agencies are rapidly being turned into a paramilitary force whose purposes are intimidation and provocation. Virginians will not tolerate exposure of sensitive paces to their tactics, or collaboration with them by state and local law enforcement. Consequently, I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, and I oppose HB1459.

I am a resident of Reston, VA. I am a US Army veteran and Federal retiree with almost 30 years of service to the US. My father’s side of my family immigrated to this country from England sometime in the 1630s. My mother’s side of the family immigrated from Scotland in the late 1750s. To the best of my knowledge, they were undocumented. I believe strongly that I have a right to stay in this country. I have met, heard about, read about, and studied people who have been here longer than my family, and some who have come very recently. If we examine the accomplishments and potential of these folks who arrived before or after my family, none are less deserving of a right to be here. As you study our history and our culture, one realizes that the contributions of immigrants are what makes this country so unique and wonderful. It isn’t how big our Army is, it’s the fact that you can find a taco truck, an Ethiopian restaurant, pottery from Poland, and fashion from France on the same block. It’s in the fact that nearly 100 languages are spoken as mother tongues in Fairfax County Schools. It’s in knowing that this country was built on the backs of African slaves and immigrants from every continent in the world, and the cultures of those immigrants have mixed into the most wonderful stew that we are allowed to enjoy every day. Now, let’s get real. Undocumented people can’t vote, aren’t eligible for benefits, and pay taxes into our system. They work very hard for low wages. Immigrants, much less those who are undocumented, commit crimes at SIGNIFICANTLY lower rates than white men. In short, immigrants are a net gain for our society. The images and stories we are seeing regarding ICE and CBP untrained, unprofessional paramilitary wreaking havoc in Minneapolis is like watching footage from another country. I keep asking myself how we got here, while unfortunately, people of color are saying it has been this way all along. Given that we weren’t aware of the total number of people ICE and CBP killed until they murdered two white people, I am concluding they must be correct. In 2025/26, 40 people have died at the hands of ICE. That is 40 too many. I am in favor of any legislation that hinders the ability of ICE to murder more people regardless of race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual preference, genetic information, immigration status, or whether or not they are exercising their 1st, 2nd, 4th, or 14th Amendment rights. I am in favor of any legislation that allows immigrants a path to citizenship. While a small minority of people may disagree with me, this is NOT a white nation, and I am against any legislation that tries to turn it into one — even if it is couched in pretty language like “protecting our ‘heritage,’ or ‘our women.’” Please pass any legislation that treats our immigrant population in accordance with human rights, human dignity, civic sense, and common decency. Thank you.

(This plea concerns all House and Senate bills that would provide greater protections for our immigrant population and stop government overreach by DHS and ICE.) Letter of Support for Policies Protecting Immigrants Dear Governor Spanberger, Virginia Delegates, and Virginia Senators, As a citizen who sees all humans as treasured and worthy of respect, I ask you, Governor Spanberger and all Virginia delegates and senators, to support all ICE OUT bills, specifically the following bills to benefit the lives of all citizens and provide specific protections for our immigrant community: HB 660 | HB 836 | HB 911 | HB 1161 | HB 1260 | HB 1265 | HB 1438 | HB 1440 | HB 1441 | HB 1442 | HB 1482 | HB 1492 SB 351 | SB 352 | SB 446 | SB 783 | What each of us has witnessed in California, Washington State, Chicago, North Carolina, and Minneapolis to include traumatization of targeted people and onlookers, great injury, and execution style killings must not become business as usual in Virginia. Please regard the humanity in each person across our Commonwealth and support the passage of these bills. Thank you, Mary Lib Morgan 12401 Dutton Road | Apt 2409 | Midlothian, VA 23113 (804) 928-2057

I am writing in strong support of each of the indicated bills that aim to protect immigrants, and those perceived as immigrants, from the threat and violence perpetuated by ICE. As a Social Worker that works across the Central Virginia region, I have seen my neighbors and clients directly harmed by ICE. Families have been torn apart, resulting in physical, psychological, and financial harm. Furthermore, the threat of ICE has prevented communities I care about from safely accessing healthcare, basic needs, public spaces, and even school. These policies would take an important step to protect the rights and livelihoods of all Virginians, and they would affirm our commonwealth's commitment to ensuring its residents have safe and fair access to participating in civic life.

As a longtime Virginia resident and a person of faith, I am alarmed by ICE's and the DHS's recent gross misconduct, including murdering U.S. citizen. Therefore: I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.

I support any bill that abolishes ICE. We need to go back to a civilized nation. At the moment we are not one. Killing innocent Americans for demonstrating their first amendment rights. We need to stop rounding up people for the color of their skin. This is not a Wild West rodeo. Our government has violated numerous constitutional laws by not doing lawful procedures. We promised after the concentration camps where Japanese citizens were detained that America would not do that again. Again America has broken its promise to its citizens. They are removing people who are not criminals and people seeking a better life. Some as they appear for court hearings that they needed to do to become citizens. Let’s go back to a civilized country and start respecting both law and order and stop quotas on human beings. You are helping Americans and the world lose any respect left for America and its government. The three murders that gunned down Renee Good and Alex Pretti had YEARS on the CBP or ICE before those killings. It was like watching a firing squad executing people for no reason. Just being around people that were trigger happy and had no training from years ago. I have watched children have guns held up to their faces. CHILDREN. You are taught to never draw your weapon as a fear tactic or a control technique. It’s common knowledge. Let’s make real immigration laws that help people become American. These immigrants pay more into our treasury than Trump did for three years only paying $750 each year. Or Amazon that paid no taxes. The immigrants contribute to our country and economy unlike billionaires and corporations. Actually we have subsidized Elon more than any taxes he has paid. He has caused more harm to America and Americans safety than any immigrant. Stop this funding of this illegal under trained private police that is not protecting Americans but killing them. I question how anyone who supports this can even say they are Christian. From the brutality of humans in detention, lack of medical care, food that I would only put in my compost bin, to breaking up families, the abuse and murder I have seen and the rounding up by skin color. You do know Jesus was a dark skin Palestinian don’t you? So guess he would be rounded up if he was around today. I have never been so ashamed to be an American and I’m 72 years old. But I know it wasn’t me that made the decisions it was you. That gives me some peace. Find your soul, remember again why we were given the statue of liberty or let’s donate it to a country worthy of that beacon of light. We are distinguishing its significance. I hope you also were able to see the monks marching for peace. They are true humans with love and kindness to all. I am grateful to see so many people touched by them and their journey. In solidarity, Cindy Johnston

I am writing in support of the bills checked above. The bills I would protect immigrants from illegal and abusive practices by ICE and Border Patrol. As events in Minnesota have tragically illustrated, all of us, citizen or not, immigrant or not, legal or not, need protection from these federal agents. Enact these bills to protect sensitive spaces, unmask and identify federal agents, require judicial warrants for immigration, and prohibit state and local law enforcement from entering cooperative agreements with federal immigration officers.,

I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement

I would like to lend my support to the passage of these bills. However, I would like to go further. Under no circumstances should any member of the government, police force or Sheriff’s Office cooperate with ICE or Border Control. BUT given that ICE will disobey the laws anyway, I want them out of Virginia entirely, and ideally, dismantled completely.

Please vote in favor of protecting our immigrants from ICE harm!

I support these bills. I volunteer with hospice patients and see how the fear of ICE is affecting our much needed and legal caregivers who fear leaving home to go to their clients. One has been disappeared. I hear from my high school grandchildren the concerns at their schools. This is not how we should be living in the USA.

SUPPORT: HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, HB1492. OPPOSE: HB1459 Our communities deserve protection from the overreach of the federal government by putting boundaries on the activity of federal immigration law enforcement officers. We need to protect sensitive spaces like schools, courtrooms, places of worship, hospitals and polling places from ICE/CBP intimidation. All officers should be prohibited from wearing masks or face coverings and ID should be required. In addition, local law enforcement should be prohibited from entering agreements with federal immigration officers and judicial warrants for enforcement should be required. Currently our communities are less safe. We need to stop the unchecked abusive activity by ICE/CBP.

I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.

I support these 7 bills that protect sensitive spaces from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust in VA. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust. Thank you.

I am a long time citizen of Henrico and I am horrified at what is happening with ICE and border patrol in my country now. I hardly recognize this country or the Republican party any more. I am asking all of my reps to do whatever you can to defund ICE and to make them take their masks off, to get much better training and to have signed warrants whenever they are looking for specific people. Finally they should not be allowed to go in schools or houses of worship. Thankyou.

I am deeply concerned about our state and the rest of the country. Immigration enforcement has affected our economy, our well being and our neighbors. Children should not have to live in fear. I am descended from German and Irish immigrants. In their name I submit these comments. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community. I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. Accountability is important to restoring trust. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement. Please protect Virginians. Protect our children. Protect our communities. Thank you.

People in Alexandria are terrified- undocumented immigrants, Green Card holders and even US citizens are afraid to be harassed, kidnapped or killed by ICE. As such, I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. While we cannot fully stop these immoral and unconstitutional federal practices, we can stop VA from adopting them in our counties and cities. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in local law enforcement and jeopardize public safety.

I believe it is critical to protect Virginians from excessive and brutal immigration enforcement. To that end, I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement and would not serve the interests of the state of Virginia. Thank you for your consideration. Laura Bloodgood

I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I do not support face coverings or lack of ID for any law enforcement I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.

I SUPPORT all bills EXCEPT HB1459 I OPPOSE HB1459

I am a resident of state house district 4, state senate district 9, and am a citizen, yet have had multiple people in my life affected by the dramatic changes in immigration action by this administration. I believe it is important that even if we do deport or question immigrants who are not here legally, all of the actions of federal agents and law enforcement must follow or constitutional protections. That is the foundation of who we are as a country before anything else. And this overreach asks affects the vulnerable and our civic institutions when places like schools, hospitals and courthouses are regularly raided with scary, anonymous soldiers. Please vote to limit the overreach and provide commenters reforms. Thank you, Matt Goldstein

I want the legislators to support the above designated bills and any bill that will cut funding, decrease, limit or completely shut down community and law enforcement support for ICE.

The Justice & Witness Action Network – VA of the United Church of Christ supports the passage of HB1438. Assigning federal immigration enforcement duties to our local and state law enforcement officers breaks the trust between these officers and the communities they serve. It also diverts police resources away from protecting and serving our communities. The recent unchecked violence and disregard for the basic dignity of life shown by federal immigration agents underscores the urgency of drawing a clear separation of duties between these agencies and local law enforcement. People should not be afraid to contact the police to report crimes or seek assistance. As a justice-seeking Christian faith community, we urge you to vote yes on HB1438.

I strongly support HB 1438 to end contracts with ICE. Local and state resources should be used to keep communities safe and united, not to support federal immigration enforcement that causes fear, family separation, and harm. Ending these contracts is an important step toward justice, accountability, and community trust.

I strongly support all the proposed legislation for protecting my neighbors and community, providing civil causes of action, placing a 9/1/26 termination date on existing local ICE agreements. We should not be using our tax dollars and other resources to assist a law-breaking federal government that is pardoning drug traffickers, killing and detaining legal residents and citizens, and promising protection for its agents who violate our Constitutional rights. Thank you.

This country has for 250 years survived on the importance of the bill of rights. The 4th amendment is unquestionable and inarguable. A judicial warrant, signed by a judge is the standard for entering residences/places of business and arresting/apprehending someone. ICE is routinely trying to circumvent this with internal memos indicating that their agents only need an "administrative warrant" to conduct these blatantly illegal operations. Even then, video has shown ICE and CBP often not even try to use any warrant to disappear people, abduct people, brutalize and murder people. Renee Good and Alex Pretti were the ones to make headlines. We don't even fully understand what's happening behind the scenes and in their internment camps but videos circulated by defense attorneys have shown horrors upon horrors. If we have the ability to deny ICE from conducting its terror and brutality we must exercise that ability. This is literally the bare minimum of rights afforded to anyone in this country's borders and we have a responsibility to uphold them. No state or local employee should do anything for ICE without and explicit and signed judicial warrant.

I support HB1438. Law enforcement officers in Virginia are not trained in civil immigration enforcement. And that is all law enforcement, from state troopers to local police and sheriffs to park rangers and game wardens. Asking them to enforce and help with civil immigration enforcement is dangerous because they don’t have the training or time to learn another set of civil codes. And it takes away from them serving their communities. My taxes pay for Virginia law enforcement to enforce Virginia laws. They serve and protect my community. Please vote yes on this bill. It won’t interfere with federal immigration authorities serving judicial warrants as local law enforcement already respect and follow judicial warrants. It will keep our officers serving us.

I write in support of House Bills 1260, 1265, 1438, 1440, 1441, 1442, and 1482. In combination, these bills form a framework to protect civil liberties, reinforce the integrity of public institutions, and clearly define the appropriate scope of law enforcement authority in Virginia. These bills ensure that schools, courthouses, polling places, and other civic spaces remain accessible and safe; that individuals can participate in education, the justice system, and elections without fear or intimidation; and that enforcement actions are transparent, accountable, and grounded in judicial authorization. Collectively, they strengthen public trust by drawing clear boundaries between state and federal roles, prioritizing due process, and strengthening public safety by upholding constitutional rights.

I oppose these bills as it is the job of law enforcement to uphold the laws of the United States and to protect and serve the citizens of Virginia. Citizens is a key word that is misinterpreted in these bills.

Oppose Why are you creating dangerous situations in Virginia’s communities and cities? It is disgraceful that the leftists care more about getting criminals and illegal criminals on their side rather than protecting law abiding citizens in Virginia. This is a shameful way to get votes ! Where were you when former President Obama deported masses of illegal immigrates? Silent and did not care. What a double standard on the left every time. Please stop causing trouble and harm to our lives.

I write to express my emphatic support for HB1438, relating to agencies of the Commonwealth; law-enforcement agencies; employees and officers; agreements with federal authority for immigration enforcement; prohibitions and limitations. Federal cooperation agreements, or 287(g) agreements, create a de facto national police force by allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to deputize state law enforcement agencies to conduct immigration enforcement. Under this program, numerous state and local law enforcement agencies have received federal funding to conduct street-level immigration enforcement, execute ICE warrants, and question detainees about immigration status - all actions which would otherwise be legally impermissible. 287(g) agreements unconscionably limit constitutional police powers reserved to the states by extending federal authority to influence and control state law enforcement. This trend is particularly troubling in Virginia, where not only local law enforcement agencies but the state Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) have acquiesced to conducting federal immigration enforcement. DWR officers have broad authority to stop, question, and detain people on public lands and waterways. In fact, DWR's largest expense by far is in law enforcement, towards which the Department spent 25.1 million dollars in 2025 alone. Deputizing conservation officers to conduct immigration actions departs from DWR's mission to "Conserve, Connect, and Protect" the Commonwealth's wildlife and natural resources. Instead, funds restricted to use for conservation programs and responsibilities are being diverted to pay conservation officers to enforce federal immigration priorities which often entail human rights abuses against local communities. By allowing 287(g) agreements in Virginia, the Commonwealth is reducing its police power and specifically limiting habitat protection, poaching prevention, and ecosystem stewardship by DWR in favor of priorities unrelated to wildlife. This means DWR has fewer resources to implement science-informed wildlife governance and protect the public trust in healthy ecosystems and robust wildlife populations. This is only one example of the many ways in which 287(g) agreements blur the boundaries between state and federal power, diffuse governmental accountability, and erode community trust. For this and many other reasons, I oppose 287(g) agreements in Virginia and strongly support HB1438 in prohibiting these agreements and safeguarding Commonwealth police powers and conservation governance.

I am writing in support of Virginia HB1438 (sponsor: Guzman, title: Agencies of the Commonwealth; law-enforcement agencies; employees and officers; agreements with federal authority for immigration enforcement; prohibitions and limitations.). As a wildlife scientist who has spent her career researching, educating, and recreating on public lands in Virginia, I was appalled to read the MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT (MOA) 287(g) Task Force Model signed by the director of Virginia's Department of Wildlife Resources, which diverts the Commonwealth's already limited public resources and enlists DWR employees into functioning as immigration officers, under authorization of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Department of Homeland Security. The officers empowered under 287(g) agreements are not immigration experts; and they embolden DHS & ICE's campaign of terror against immigrants and citizens alike. Diverting resources from conservation, science, and facilities maintenance to support ICE and DHS actions will harm our natural resources and the people who use them. I oppose this MOA for empowering the ever-expanding reach of federal agents to surveil the public, to use public funds without regard to democratic input, to employ racial profiling tactics to harass and detain the public, and to neglect the core mission and function of the Department of Wildlife Resources to "[manage] inland fisheries, wildlife, and recreational boating for Virginia... and inspir[e] people to value the outdoors and their role in nature." For this reason, I support Virginia HB1438, which would invalidate and prohibit such MOAs in the Commonwealth.